Credit cards offer a lot of benefits and rewards, and the Citi Rewards Credit Card is a contender that merits attention.
This card provides users with the opportunity to accumulate points on everyday purchases, with a unique feature that rounds up to the nearest ten points on every purchase.
This benefit can make even small purchases more rewarding. For consumers who frequently use their cards for small transactions, this could be a compelling aspect.
Card Highlights
| Card Category | Shopping |
| Card Issuer | Citi Bank |
| Credit Card Network | MasterCard |
| Reward Multiplier | Yes |
| Welcome Reward | 2500 Reward Points |
| Annual Fees | ₹ 1000 + GST |
| Airport Lounge Access | No |
| Recommended Credit Score | 740+ |
| CG Ratings | 3.7/5 |
Table of Contents
Overview of Citi Rewards Credit Card
The Citi Rewards Credit Card is designed for consumers seeking to maximize their rewards on everyday purchases. With a focus on earning points for spending in various categories, it caters to a diverse consumer base.
Key Features
- Rewards Points: Cardholders earn a certain number of points per rupees on purchases in designated categories such as at supermarkets.
- Welcome Benefits: New members may qualify for a one-time bonus offer if they meet minimum spending requirements within the first few months of account opening.
Eligibility Criteria
- Credit Score: Applicants generally need a good to excellent credit score to qualify.
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old or the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence.
- Income: A stable source of income is necessary to meet the card’s credit requirements.
- Residency: Applicants should have a permanent residency status in India.
Rewards and Benefits
The Citi Rewards Credit Card offers an array of benefits designed to reward cardholders for their spending. These rewards enhance the overall utility of the card and cater to various spending habits.
1. Welcome Benefits
Cardholders receive 1,500 bonus points if they make their first spend within 30 days of card issuance.
Additionally, an extra 1,000 bonus points are awarded upon the first spend of Rs 1,000 within 60 days of receiving the card, amplifying the initial benefits. In total, these activation points carry a worth of Rs 850.
2. Milestone Benefits
Each month, a cardholder can earn 300 bonus points by making purchases of INR 30,000 or more with their card. This steady accrual of points serves as a recurring incentive for consistent use of the card.
3. Fuel Surcharge Waiver
The Citi Rewards Credit Card includes a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on all fuel transactions. This benefit is particularly useful for cardholders who frequently spend on fuel, providing them with an effective method to save on such expenses.
Earning and Redeeming Rewards
The Citi Rewards Credit Card offers a structured reward points system designed to benefit frequent shoppers, especially in the apparel and department store categories.
Understanding the nuances of how to earn and redeem these points can significantly enhance their value.
Earning Reward Points
For every Rs. 125 spent on apparel and department stores, either online or in physical stores, cardholders are awarded 10 Reward Points (10X).
All other purchases earn 1 Reward Point per Rs. 125 spent. The additional 9X Reward Points are capped at 504 points per month, which equates to a spending cap of Rs. 7,000 for maximum reward points in those categories.
Reward Points are not accrued on certain category spends such as fuel, educational institutions, government institutions, insurance, tolls, and utility bills. It should be noted that these points remain evergreen, with no expiry.
Redeeming Reward Points
Citi Rewards Credit Card reward points can be redeemed in various ways, providing flexibility to cardholders:
| Category | Value of 1 RP | Minimum Points required for redemption |
| Fuel – at Indian Oil | ₹ 0.25 | 250 |
| Online/in-store shopping at partner brands | ₹ 0.30 | 250 |
| Online Travel Website | ₹ 0.25 | 250 |
| Cashback | ₹ 0.35 | 10,000 |
| AirMile(Air India & InterMile) | 0.75 Miles | 100 |
Transferring points to AirMiles can often result in receiving the highest value for the accrued points, thereby optimizing their utility for the cardholder.
Fees and Rates
When considering the Citi Rewards Credit Card, being aware of all associated fees and rates is essential for making an informed decision. This section will provide detailed information about the various charges one can expect.
Annual Fee
The Citi Rewards Credit Card has an annual fee of Rs 1,000 plus taxes. However, customers can enjoy a waiver on this fee by spending Rs 30,000 in a year with their card.
Interest Rates
Interest is charged at a rate of 3.75% per month. This translates to an annualized rate of 45.00%. Cardholders should be mindful of this rate as it can significantly impact the cost of carried balances.
Foreign Transaction Fees
For transactions made in a foreign currency, the card applies a markup of 3.5%. This fee is crucial for those who frequently travel abroad or make international purchases.
Documents and Application Process
When applying for the Citi Rewards Credit Card, applicants must provide certain documents to verify their identity and financial status. The application process is streamlined and can typically be completed online or at a local Citibank branch.
Required documents include:
- Proof of Identity: Valid government-issued photo identification, such as a passport or driver’s license, is necessary to establish the applicant’s identity.
- Proof of Address: A utility bill, bank statement, or any official document with the applicant’s current address must be submitted to confirm residency.
- Financial Documentation: For income verification, the applicant should provide the latest two months’ salary slips. Alternatively, they may submit their Income Tax Return (ITR) if it better reflects their earnings.
The process involves filling out an application form with personal, financial, and employment details. Applicants should ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays.
Once the application and documents are submitted, the bank will review the application. This review process includes a credit check to assess creditworthiness.
It’s advisable for applicants to check the specific requirements of Citibank as they can vary by location and to ensure they have the necessary documents ready before starting the application process.
Following these steps carefully will aid in a smooth application experience for the Citi Rewards Credit Card.
Conclusion
The Citi Rewards Credit Card presents itself as a fundamental option in the market. It is clear that the card lacks a robust rewards structure that appeals to those who spend extensively.
For individuals with high expenditure seeking substantial rewards, this card may not align with their expectations.
Advantages:
- A variety of redemption choices
- Flexibility to apply points as a cash credit on the cardholder’s statement
However, it caters to consumers who appreciate flexibility in redemption. The variety of options for point redemption is indeed a significant positive attribute of the card, providing a level of versatility that can suit different types of cardholders.
In assessing this credit card, it should be noted that while it may not excite those who wish to maximize their spending power, it offers sufficient utility for those seeking a simple credit card experience.
The ability to use points as a cash credit on statements should be noted as an appealing feature for those who value straightforward and practical rewards.
